Indonesia seeks foreign bribery law changes in OECD membership push
Technical reviews are complete in 20 of 24 targeted sectors, while proposed anti-corruption amendments remain under government review.
Indonesia is pursuing legal changes to criminalise foreign bribery as it seeks full membership of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) by 2028, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said.
The government is reviewing proposed amendments to the Corruption Eradication Law, known as UU Tipikor. The revision is included in its Medium-Term National Legislation Program for 2025-2029.
Airlangga said Indonesia needed explicit provisions on foreign bribery to advance its accession, alongside broader improvements to governance. Although the country ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) two decades ago, foreign bribery rules remain a requirement for joining the OECD.
Indonesia has finished technical reviews covering 20 of the 24 sectors targeted under its accession roadmap, or about 80 per cent. Outstanding issues, notably in healthcare, remain subject to rigorous evaluation.
Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto said joining the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention offered an opportunity to update domestic legislation, beyond its diplomatic significance. He cited UNCAC Article 16, which concerns bribery of foreign officials.
The KPK has sent its recommendations on amendments to the Law Ministry. The proposed changes are intended to support the OECD assessment and legal reform objectives in Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2025-2029.
